Clothing Design and Uploading: A Step by Step Guide

1. Download Template

Choose the clothing template you want to design, in this guide we will be working with the 'Rocker Dress', and click "Model" for that template.
When the download screen opens, select "Save File" to save it to your hard-drive in any location you prefer.
This will download and save a compressed folder that contains everything you need to design and upload your new article of clothing.

2. Unpack Template Folder

Using Windows Explorer, double click on the file you just downloaded.

Right click on the folder you see and select "Copy."

Navigate back to the folder you saved the downloaded file in, right-click, then select "Paste."

You have now made an uncompressed copy of the clothing model folder.
This is what you will work with for the remainder of this guide.

3. Modify Image File(s)

Double click your uncompressed model folder.

You need to keep all of these files together, and to avoid possible errors do not mix files from other model templates with them.
Keep each model template separated in its own folder.
Now we will set the design of the item. So, the files we need are the largest *.jpg and optionally the *.psd.
The end result of this step is your design in the *.jpg file.
So if you work with the *.psd file, you must convert it to a *.jpg in your final save.

We will keep it simple for this guide and completely replace the .jpg file with an existing image file downloaded from the internet.

The image must be the same or larger dimentions than the *.jpg file you are replacing.

If you use an existing downloaded image be sure you have the rights/permission to use it and stay away from copyrighted images!

You can check the dimension of image files by right-clicking, selecting properties then details.

Simply replace the largest *.jpg file in your folder with your image, making sure the name matches the name of the original *.jpg file.
For this model, the file we replace is "female_dress4_layers.jpg".
Note that if you choose to edit the file yourself, you do not have to worry about "staying inside the lines" - Twinity will only use the areas in the image that the object requires.

More Information on File Types:.

jpg File: This is a simple graphic file, and is what Twinity will apply the design from when you upload the item.

You can use any graphics editor that allows you to save in the *.jpg format, from something simple like MS Paint
(found under 'Accessories' in Windows) to something more complex like GIMP (http://www.gimp.org).

psd File: This is a layered graphic file that allows you to work on more complicated designs.
As you become more comfortable designing, you may want to take advantage of some of the features the *.psd files allow.Remember, when you are finished you must save your file in a *.jpg format!

4. Modify *.twml File (optional)

This step is optional, but highly recommended as it will help you distinguish between items in your inventory.
The *.twml file contains information Twinity needs to upload your item, and is actually a simple text file that can be opened with any text editor such as notepad.
The model we are using for this guide comes with the following *.twml file contents:

Using notepad, change the caption and description names to ones you will recognize on the first 2 lines, as shown below. Here the name was changed from female_dress4_template to Black Satin Rocker:

5. Upload To Inventory

You are now ready to upload your new creation into Twinity!
Remember, your membership type must be at least "Premium", you cannot upload items with a basic account. If you do not see the "My Computer" tab in inventory, double check your membership type.

Within Twinity, open your inventory and click "My Computer". Navigate to the folder where your model files are located.

Inside the folder that has your model, click on the *.twml file then click upload at the bottom of the screen.
You will see an additional window that shows your model is being converted to your new design.

When the convert window closes, click the "Place" button at the bottom of the screen.
You will be asked if you want to purchase the item for 1 G - you must say yes for the item to be uploaded into your inventory.

Change the top tab back to "My Inventory" and you will find your newly uploaded design in the Clothes group!
Note that the text under the item matches the optional text to change in the .twml file step we covered earlier.

6. Create Thumbnail Image (optional)

Modifying the thumbnail image is another optional, yet highly recommended step. In the "Modify Image File(s)" step you may have noticed an additional file named "thumbnail.jpg".
To modify it, simply use any graphics editor that supports *.jpg files and change its contents to something that will help you recognize your item in inventory more easily.
This is not required, however the following image shows why it may be desirable if you plan to make many items. Which inventory view is easier for you to quickly find an item in?

Selling Your Designs

Now that you can make designs, you may find that you want to sell them in a shop. The most common way to sell items is using frames.

1. Upload to Your Shop

First you must upload the item to your shop. This is done just like you did earlier, except you select "Use In Shop" instead of "Place".

2. Edit Shop Details

You will now see the Shop Item Editor (which you can also access later through the "My Shop" tab in inventory).
Note that the name and description match the values you entered in the "Modify .twml File" step.

You will need to enter a number for price, in this example we will use 15. You may also want to change the Category to "all/user items" - it may make finding the items easier later because there is a folder in your shop for User Items. If your design is adult in nature, you should also check the "Is Adult" box. Here is how the Shop item Editor looks for the item done in this guide:

Click Save and you will have the item in your shop:

3. Select Frame for Item

Now that the item is in your shop, you need to offer it for sale. Start by right clicking the area you want it displayed in (you can always move it later, just as you move any other furnishing items in Twinity), and select "Add Object.
Click the "Shop" tab at the top left of the inventory screen, enter "Frame" in the search, select the size frame you want, click "Place" and confirm the purchase.

4. Set Image for Frame

You now have a frame to hold your design, but you'll need to let people know what it is. Right click the frame and select "Change picture." Select an image to represent the item you are offering for sale - if you followed the advice in the "Create Thumbnail Image" step, you have a handy image all ready to use. Select it from "My Computer" then click "Apply."

5. Add Sale Item to Frame

You now have a frame that shows what you want to sell, so the next step is adding the item itself. Right click the frame and select "Offer for sale."

You will now see your shop items, select the item you wish to sell and click "Apply".

Congratulations! You're Done!

Now when someone holds their mouse over the frame, they will see the G symbol that indicates an item they can purchase.

When someone now clicks on the frame they will see the item purchase confirmation screen.
Note that the name shown matches the contents of the *.twml file we updated earlier, and the price matches the value you entered in the Shop Item Editor.